How many container pallets fit?
Enter the size and weight of one loaded pallet and pick a container. See how many pallets fit, how they sit on the floor, and whether space or weight is the limit.
- Pallets that fit
- 8
Pallets that fit in the 20' standard container: 8.
- Pallets per layer
- 8
- Layers
- 1
- Pallets the payload allows
- 66
- Limited by
- Space
- Space used
- 36.4%
- Total weight
- 8,000 lb
- Maximum payload
- 66,580 lb
- Inside length
- 232.3 in
- Inside width
- 92.6 in
- Pallet side along the length
- 48 in
- Pallet side across the width
- 40 in
Pallets that fit: 8. Pallets that fit in the 20' standard container: 8.
How do the pallets sit on the floor?
How much of the container is used?
How to calculate
Computes how many pallets of a given size and weight fit in a 20 ft, 40 ft, 40 ft high cube or 45 ft high cube container, from its inside dimensions and maximum payload.
Example with the default inputs (Pallet length 48 in, Pallet width 40 in, Pallet height 48 in, Pallet weight 1,000 lb, Container 20' standard, Stack pallets Yes): Pallets that fit in the 20' standard container: 8.
Method: per layer = max(⌊L ÷ l⌋ × ⌊W ÷ w⌋, ⌊L ÷ w⌋ × ⌊W ÷ l⌋); layers = ⌊H ÷ h⌋; pallets = min(per layer × layers, ⌊payload ÷ weight⌋)
- All pallets on the floor are turned the same way, whichever of the two turns fits more; mixed patterns can sometimes fit one or two more.
- Pallets stand upright and are stacked straight on top of each other when stacking is on.
- Inside dimensions and maximum payloads are nominal values from Hapag-Lloyd’s container specification; your container may differ by a few millimetres.
- Door openings, dunnage, bracing and weight distribution are not taken into account.
Worked examples
Each example is checked against the calculator on every build.
- Pallet length 48 in, Pallet width 40 in, Pallet height 48 in, Pallet weight 1,000 lb, Container 20' standard, Stack pallets yes gives Pallets per layer 8, Layers 1, Pallets that fit 8, Limited by Space, Space used 36.383257%.Source: Hapag-Lloyd, Container Specification (inside dimensions of general purpose and high cube containers). https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/content/dam/website/downloads/press_and_media/publications/15211_Container_Specification_engl_Gesamt_web.pdf
- Pallet length 47.24 in, Pallet width 31.5 in, Pallet height 43.31 in, Pallet weight 1,764 lb, Container 40' high cube, Stack pallets yes gives Pallets per layer 20, Layers 2, Pallets the payload allows 35, Pallets that fit 35, Limited by Weight.Source: Hapag-Lloyd, Container Specification (inside dimensions of general purpose and high cube containers). https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/content/dam/website/downloads/press_and_media/publications/15211_Container_Specification_engl_Gesamt_web.pdf
How it works
Let the container's inside length, width and height be L, W and H, and one loaded pallet's length, width and height be l, w and h. ⌊x⌋ means x rounded down to a whole number.
- Pallets per layer. Straight: ⌊L ÷ l⌋ × ⌊W ÷ w⌋. Turned: ⌊L ÷ w⌋ × ⌊W ÷ l⌋. The calculator keeps the larger; on a tie it keeps straight.
- Layers = ⌊H ÷ h⌋ when pallets may be stacked, else 1 (and 0 if one pallet is taller than the container).
- Pallets the payload allows = ⌊maximum payload ÷ pallet weight⌋.
- Pallets that fit = the smaller of pallets per layer × layers and pallets the payload allows.
- Space used = pallets that fit × l × w × h ÷ (L × W × H), as a percent.
Containers
| Container | Inside length | Inside width | Inside height | Maximum payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' standard | 5,900 mm | 2,352 mm | 2,393 mm | 30,200 kg |
| 40' standard | 12,032 mm | 2,352 mm | 2,395 mm | 28,800 kg |
| 40' high cube | 12,032 mm | 2,352 mm | 2,700 mm | 28,600 kg |
| 45' high cube | 13,556 mm | 2,352 mm | 2,700 mm | 27,800 kg |
Source: Hapag-Lloyd, Container Specification (general purpose and high cube general purpose containers, one series of each), retrieved September 27, 2026. ISO 668 sets only minimum inside sizes, so containers from other lines can differ by a few millimetres.
Pallets per layer, all turned the same way
| Container | US pallet, 48" × 40" | Euro pallet, 1,200 × 800 mm |
|---|---|---|
| 20' standard | 8 | 8 |
| 40' standard | 18 | 20 |
| 40' high cube | 18 | 20 |
| 45' high cube | 22 | 22 |
Assumptions
- Pallets stand upright, all turned the same way, and stack straight on top of each other.
- Door openings, dunnage, bracing and weight distribution are not taken into account.
Worked examples by hand
48" × 40" pallets, 48" tall, 1,000 lb each, in a 20' standard. 48" = 1,219.2 mm and 40" = 1,016 mm. Straight: 5,900 ÷ 1,219.2 = 4.84 → 4, and 2,352 ÷ 1,016 = 2.31 → 2, so 8 per layer. Turned: 5,900 ÷ 1,016 = 5.81 → 5, and 2,352 ÷ 1,219.2 = 1.93 → 1, so 5. The height 2,393 ÷ 1,219.2 = 1.96 → 1 layer. The payload allows 30,200 kg ÷ 453.6 kg = 66 pallets, so space is the limit: 8 pallets, using 8 × 1.2192 × 1.016 × 1.2192 ÷ (5.9 × 2.352 × 2.393) = 36.4% of the space.
Euro pallets (1,200 × 800 mm), 1.1 m tall, 800 kg each, in a 40' high cube. Straight: 12,032 ÷ 1,200 → 10 and 2,352 ÷ 800 → 2, so 20 per layer (turned gives 15 × 1 = 15). 2,700 ÷ 1,100 → 2 layers, so 40 by space. The payload allows 28,600 ÷ 800 = 35.75 → 35, so weight is the limit: 35 pallets.
Loading tips
- Standard pallets: US 48" × 40" (GMA) and the Euro pallet 1,200 × 800 mm are the most common. Australia uses 1,165 × 1,165 mm.
- ISPM 15: wooden pallets for international shipping must be heat-treated or fumigated and marked.
- Weight distribution: keep the centre of gravity low and centred, and spread heavy pallets along the floor.
- SOLAS VGM: the verified gross mass of each packed container must be declared before it is loaded on a ship.
- Securing: fill gaps with dunnage (airbags, foam or timber) and use lashing or blocking so the load cannot shift.
Other questions people ask
How many pallets fit in a 40-foot container?
A 40-foot standard container (inside about 12,032 × 2,352 mm) fits 18 standard US pallets (48" × 40") per layer when all are turned the same way, and 20 Euro pallets (1,200 × 800 mm). How many layers fit depends on the pallet height: the inside height is about 2,395 mm (94.3 in), so two 48" pallets do not fit on top of each other, but two 44" pallets do. The calculator works this out for your pallets.
What are the standard container sizes?
The common dry containers are the 20-foot standard (about 33 m³ or 1,170 cubic feet inside), the 40-foot standard (about 68 m³ or 2,390 cubic feet), the 40-foot high cube (about 76 m³ or 2,695 cubic feet), and the 45-foot high cube (about 86 m³ or 3,040 cubic feet). High cube containers are 1 foot taller (9' 6" outside instead of 8' 6").
How do I calculate pallet capacity for shipping containers?
You need to consider: 1) the container's inside dimensions, 2) the pallet dimensions (length, width, height), 3) the maximum payload, and 4) whether pallets can be stacked. Divide the inside length and width by the pallet sides (trying both turns), round down, multiply, then multiply by the layers that fit in the height. Finally, check that the pallets do not weigh more than the payload allows.
Why does the calculator try turning the pallets?
A pallet can go in with its long side along the container or across it. The calculator tries both ways, with all pallets turned the same way, and keeps the one that fits more. Mixing the two turns in one container can sometimes fit one or two more pallets, which the calculator does not count.
How much weight can a shipping container hold?
The maximum payload (cargo weight) of the containers in this calculator is about 27,800 to 30,200 kg (61,300 to 66,600 lb), from Hapag-Lloyd's container specification. Payload is the maximum gross weight minus the empty container's tare weight. Road and rail limits in your country may be lower.
What are the standard pallet dimensions?
The most common standard pallet size in North America is 48" × 40" (GMA pallet). Other common sizes include 42" × 42", 48" × 48", and 36" × 36". European standard pallets are typically 1200mm × 800mm (47.2" × 31.5").
How do I optimize container space utilization?
To optimize space: 1) Use uniform pallet sizes, 2) Try both pallet turns, 3) Use the height when loads can be stacked, 4) Use high cube containers for taller loads, 5) Plan for proper weight distribution to avoid exceeding limits.
What happens if I exceed the container weight limit?
Exceeding weight limits can result in: 1) Shipping delays and additional fees, 2) Safety risks during transport, 3) Potential damage to the container or cargo, 4) Legal compliance issues. Always stay within the specified weight limits for safe and efficient shipping.
Can I mix different pallet sizes in one container?
Yes, you can mix different pallet sizes, but this requires manual calculation and planning. This calculator is designed for uniform pallet sizes. For mixed loads, calculate each pallet type separately and then determine the arrangement manually.
How accurate are container pallet calculations?
The calculations use nominal inside dimensions and assume pallets sit tight against each other. Real containers differ by a few millimeters, and bracing, dunnage, and loading equipment can reduce the number that fits. Always verify with your shipping provider.